There is now a scientific explanation for kittens born alive, but don’t live long. Dr. Eric Barchas says it is fading kitten syndrome. He explains, a staggering proportion of kittens succumb to fading kitten syndrome before they reach nine weeks of age. Fifteen percent to 27 percent die before nine weeks of age even in well-managed catteries.
Source: Catster, May 10, 2018. Link.
Kittens in crisis generally require treatment by veterinarians. The mainstays of treatment are thermal support, fluids, dextrose (sugar), and often antibiotics. If the affected kitten begins to warm and recover, nutritional support and deworming medications may be added. Sadly, the prognosis for kittens in crisis is poor, and many of them do not survive even with treatment.
INSIGHTS: Consider using this article as a discussion topic in a team meeting. Then confidently place the article in newsletters, websites and social media posts. Counsel cat owners during pregnancy checks on the likelihood of fading kitten syndrome and the need for recognition and management of weaker kittens.